Withdrawal of Troops From Mali, Niger Threat to Nigeria, Says NAF Chief
Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has said that the withdrawal of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission Force and the 2000 Chadian troops from Mali as well as troops of Republic of Niger from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is a security threat to Nigeria and the entire Sahel Region.
He also said that the upsurge in coup d’etat in the West African sub-region as well as the withdrawal of some nations from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have negative impacts on the collective regional security architecture of the region.
The air chief said these security situations had caused the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria.
Abubakar spoke during his meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Directors, Commandants and Commanders at Headquarters NAF, Abuja.
The meeting was aimed at revisiting NAF’s set objectives in line with the CAS command philosophy and key enablers, discuss performance and achievements and identify challenges.
A statement by NAF’ spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, quoted the Air Marshal Abubakar as saying that “these security situations had necessitated the need for the NAF and other security agencies to be proactive and intensify efforts at meeting the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens’ expectations for an expeditious actualization of a peaceful, safe and secure nation for prosperity to thrive.”
The air chief noted that despite these threats, the NAF has, in the last 12 months, re-strategized and adopted new air power measures to enhance the gains against identified threats.
He said these strategic measures had led to modest and significant progress in various operational areas, including the fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.
The CAS said despite NAF’s achievements, the prevailing economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment, increasing inflation, and multidimensional poverty, have exacerbated the security situation, which he said had made it “imperative for the NAF to continuously adapt and improve.”
Abubakar commended the efforts of NAF personnel and expressed gratitude for their support since he assumed office.
He said: “The NAF, so far, has achieved modest yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities in the country.
“Therefore, I wish to use this opportunity to commend you all for your efforts. I also sincerely thank you for your support over the last 12 months since my assumption of office.” (Nation)
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